Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

The Story & Intro

Growing up in Crete, vegetables were always a big part of our meals. My grandmother would pick fresh greens from her garden every morning and toss them in a pan with olive oil and a touch of sea salt. When I moved to the U.S., I wanted to bring that same spirit of simple, flavorful cooking into my new kitchen. That’s how I fell in love with this maple roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe.

The first time I made it was for a Thanksgiving dinner with friends. I remember thinking, “Will anyone actually eat Brussels sprouts?” To my surprise, the tray was empty before the turkey was carved! The combination of crispy bacon, caramelized maple glaze, and tender sprouts created the perfect balance of smoky, salty, and sweet.

This dish reminds me that sometimes the simplest recipes like maple roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are the ones that make everyone gather around the table. It’s rustic, easy to prepare, and full of heart. You don’t need to be a chef to make something this delicious; you just need good ingredients and a little love.

Every time I make it, my kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of roasting vegetables and sizzling bacon. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, perfect for family dinners, holiday spreads, or even a quick weekday side dish. Whether you’re cooking for two or a full house, these Brussels sprouts will win everyone over.

If you’ve ever thought Brussels sprouts were boring, I promise this maple roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe will change your mind. It’s one of those dishes that turns skeptics into fans after just one bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best maple roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, you only need a few simple ingredients. Don’t worry if your kitchen gets a little messy — that’s part of the fun!

🥦 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
🥓 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
🍁 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🌿 Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
🍋 Optional: a light drizzle of lemon juice or balsamic glaze before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. If you find any large outer leaves that look wilted, remove them.

2. Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, add the halved Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

You’ll notice the mixture already smells amazing that maple-bacon combo is heavenly!

3. Spread and Roast

Spread the mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Try to place the Brussels sprouts cut-side down; this helps them caramelize and get that beautiful golden-brown color.

Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through. When the sprouts are tender inside and crispy on the edges, and the bacon is fully cooked, they’re ready.

4. Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you want a touch more sweetness, drizzle a teaspoon of maple syrup over the top while still warm. For brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice or a touch of balsamic glaze works beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These maple roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon pair perfectly with roasted chicken, turkey, pork, or even salmon. They add a lovely touch of sweetness and crunch to any meal.

Serve them directly from the baking sheet for a rustic presentation or transfer them to a warm serving dish for a polished look. If you’re hosting guests, sprinkle a few extra bacon bits or crushed nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top for extra texture.

They also reheat wonderfully just pop them back into the oven for 5–10 minutes to crisp up again.

Cooking Tips

Choose fresh Brussels sprouts. Smaller sprouts are naturally sweeter and roast more evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the vegetables space to roast, not steam.
Use pure maple syrup. The real stuff makes a huge difference in flavor.
Make it vegetarian. Skip the bacon and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or roasted nuts for that savory edge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep and minimal cleanup 🧽
Perfect for weeknights or festive dinners 🎉
A beautiful mix of textures crispy, sticky, and tender
Converts even the biggest Brussels sprout skeptics 😄

There’s something magical about the way maple syrup brings out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts, and when you pair that with salty bacon, it’s pure comfort.

Short 100-Word Story Version

Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! Cooking has always been part of my heart, and this maple roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe is one of my favorites. The first time I made it was for a Thanksgiving dinner, and it disappeared faster than the turkey! The maple glaze adds a perfect touch of sweetness to the smoky bacon and crispy Brussels sprouts. It’s simple, warm, and full of flavor just the kind of food that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will make your table feel full of love and laughter. 🍁🥓

🥗 Recipe Card

⏱ Time Cook
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 40 mins

🧂 Ingredients

1 ½ lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
6 slices bacon, chopped
3 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: lemon juice, balsamic glaze, or red pepper flakes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss Brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, and maple syrup in a bowl.
Spread on a baking sheet, cut-side down.
Roast for 25–30 mins, stirring halfway through.
Season, drizzle with more maple syrup or lemon juice, and serve warm.

💡 Notes
Use real maple syrup for the best flavor. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until crisp again.

Conclusion

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. This maple roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe proves that a few good ingredients can create something unforgettable. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a little sparkle to your table just like sharing stories and laughter over a homemade meal.

From my kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope you enjoy every caramelized, crispy bite! 💛